This blog is meant to display my coins/currency notes/stamps, in an informative manner, which would be useful to users in knowing about the history of the period when these coins/banknotes/stamps were minted/printed and events/persons they honour/depict, both on Indian and foreign coins/banknotes/stamps. The content would be more in the nature of a walk down memory lane through my collection/articles.

Ramanujacharya was born in
Sriperumbudur near present day Chennai in 1017 AD.

He was one of the most
significant contributors to India’s Spiritual and Bhakti tradition. He revitalised Indian Philosophy and
popular religion. For over 1,000 years, he has been the spiritual guide
for millions, who have looked upon him as a Guide and Philosopher.

From his life and
teachings, several inspirations have sprouted influencing many religious
movements under the broad umbrella of Vaishnava
dispensation.

Ramanujacharya was a
revolutionary who did not shy away from pursuing creative departures from
the traditional track for the greater good of mankind. He is credited with
having laid the foundations for a sound system of Philosophy envisioned by his
predecessors Nathamuni and Yamunacharya.

His “Sri Bhashya” – an elaborate work on Badarrayana’s Brahma
Sutras, has been celebrated by independent observers as accurately
reflective of the original author’s intentions and is considered to be a
hallmark in exegesis and theological hermeneutics.

His chief outstanding
contribution/characteristic was that apart from his scholastic contributions,
he transcended caste and social barriers and professed an all-encompassing
approach to spirituality that is true to the ethos of the Vedic religion.

His compassion for fellow
human beings, led to breaking of the age-old tradition which expounded
that the teachings of the scriptures should be given to one person at a time
after examining the student’s qualifications. He spread his message and
philosophy through 74 disciples who worked tirelessly to propagate his
beliefs.

Ramanujacharya ensured
that the esoteric teachings of the Vedas reached everyone interested in
pursuing them. He lived his mission by reaching out to tribals and
graduating them progressively from their animist faiths to the values taught by
the Vedas.

He brought about several
changes in access to temples, opening them to all people alike –
irrespective of caste and creed. A majority of the changes he brought
about to temple administration are still in vogue in the Temple of
Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, where the depressed classes render uninterrupted
service to Lord Ranganatha throughout the year.

The Srivaishnavite
hagiographical accounts are replete with examples of how Ramanujacharya
professed and practiced a liberal attitude towards people who were marginalised
in the name of caste. Pillai Urangavilli Dasa, one of Ramanujacharya’s
principal disciples and a member of a marginalised caste, was held in high
esteem by him.

He placed the devotees of
the Lord on a supreme pedestal to those well-versed in the Vedas, opining that
physical birth into a class should not come in the way of serving the true
devotees of the Lord.

Ramanujacharya espoused
that service to humanity and not birth into a higher caste, elevates one
to the spiritual abode of perennial happiness. His devotion to Parankusa, a
poet-saint belonging to a backward caste was so immense, that he was called “Parankusa-pada-bhakta” – one
devoted to the ideals of Parankusa.

The fact that, Ramanujacharya
drew extensively from the compositions of Parankusa’s “Tiruvaimoli” to support his theological conclusions is an example
of his approach cutting across all impositions and socially drawn boundaries.
He stood firm in his resolve to fulfil his mission despite his life being
threatened by elements inimical to his way of thought.

According to
scholar-philosophers, Ramanujacharya’s birth on planet Earth was akin to the
rising sun, to dispel the darkness of ignorance and to make the lotus of
knowledge, virtue and righteousness bloom in this world.

A
Commemorative Stamp of 2500 Paise or Rs.25/- brought out by India Post on
01.05.2017:

A First Day Cover (FDC)
brought out on the occasion of commemorating the 1000th Birth
Anniversary of Ramanujacharya

It shows an image of the Temple
of Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli at left with the inscription “Millennium: 1017-2017
CE (both in Hindi and English). At the top right is a 2500 Paise or Rs.25/-
stamp depicting Ramanujacharya.

The Cancellation Hand-stamp
shows his name in the centre and is of New Delhi GPO. The Cancellation is dated
“01.05.2017”.

About Me

I am Rajeev Prasad, a retired State Bank of India officer who had been collecting coins in a shoe box without having a serious interest. Only after quitting my job I got the time to take serious interest in developing my coin collection into a hobby. A pity, because I would have had more opportunity to lay my hands on more 'exclusive coins' while in the Bank. Anyway, as they say,better late than never. If you have any views to share with me regarding this blog , please contact me on my email rajeevprasad1208@gmail.com. I also have a twitter account @prasad_rajeev.
I had an opportunity to participate in a Documentary on the life and times of the 25 paise coin titled “Chal Basi Chavanni” (The four anna/twenty five paise coin passes away), aired by STAR NEWS on 29th and 30th June 2011. The programme helped in making many persons hold back onto their “chavannis”, the little round beauties, instead of returning them to Banks .